Discover Bangkok’s historical landmarks on this canal tour along the city’s charming waterways. A canal (klong) tour along Bangkok’s legendary Chao Phraya River and in the Thonburi area is one of the most interesting ways to discover the traditional charms of this city, known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Thonburi lies across the Chao Phraya river and tours on longtail boats around its numerous klongs (canals) are popular. It was briefly Thailand's capital in the 18th century after the fall of Ayutthaya, until King Rama I moved his court across the river to Bangkok.

Enjoy the ‘floating markets’, and mobile homes by exploring the city's charming waterways. Get spectacular views of the magnificent Temple of Dawn and the fabulous Grand Palace, and other famous temples of Bangkok that house some of the most dazzling images of Buddha in the world. Get a riverside view of Bangkok’s architectural splendour as you sail along the mighty Chao Phraya.

Leave the chaotic city behind and discover the fascinating historical landmarks on this canal tour of Bangkok city.

Activity Schedule

When does it run?

Daily

Duration

4 hours (approx.)

Start time

8:30am or 1pm.

For Private tours, please also mention your preferred start time.

Meeting Point

Good news! You can get picked up from your hotel in Bangkok or airport, just give us the details at the time of booking. Don't worry if you have not booked your hotel yet, you pass them onto the operator when you are ready.

Ending Point

Your hotel in Bangkok or the airport

Itinerary

This tour is available in two options – coach and private. The private option offers you greater flexibility- you can spend as much time at any of the places you visit, as per your preference.

You will be picked up from either your hotel or directly from the airport (if you prefer) and taken on a river cruise of the city, accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.

Discover the famous landmarks of Bangkok city on this cruise:

Boat ride along the canals (klongs): Your tour will take you on a cruise along Thailand’s main river, the Chao Phraya, also called the ‘River of Kings’. As you meander in and out of the network of interconnecting canals (klongs) in the Thonburi area, you can enjoy the charming sight of family homes, mobile shops, 'floating kitchens' and colourful scenery dotted along the waterways.

Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn): You'll stop at the dazzling Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) along the way. . Wat Arun has a towering Khmer-style tower with four smaller towers and is the most well-known landmark and photographed image of Bangkok. It stands on the west bank of Chao Phraya. Over 70 metres high, the spire is beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into intricate patterns. The smaller towers are equally beautifully adorned with ceramics that sparkle in the sun. Although it is known as the Temple of the Dawn, it is absolutely stunning at sunset.

The Royal Palace: The Grand or Royal Palace (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang is one of the major tourist attractions in Bangkok, and dates back to 1782, the year in which Bangkok was founded. It is actually a complex of buildings and served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the early 20th century. Today, it is used only for ceremonial purposes. The palace complex consists of over 100 brightly coloured buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics. You will also see the Dusit Hall within the palace complex which houses some of the finest architectural works of the building. Dusit Hall, used to serve as the Funeral Hall of the Grand Palace.

The Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha: The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), situated within the Grand Palace, is Thailand's holiest shrine. Its main deity, the highly revered tiny (between 60 and 75 cm) jadeite statue of Emerald Buddha, is located high above the heads of the worshipers and tourists. The murals that adorn the walls depict scenes from the Thai version of the Hindu epic Ramayana.

At the end of the four-hour cruise, you will be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport in Bangkok.

Inclusions

Voucher Information: No need to print! You can show your voucher on your smartphone or other device.

For coach tour, pick up will be 30 to 45 minutes before the start time.

If you wish to be picked up from Pattaya hotels outside the City Centre area: Ambassador Jomtien, Botanic Resort and Pinnacle Jomtien / Golden Beach, you are subject to a surcharge of USD 11 per person per way payable directly.

Guide also available in other languages with supplement charge payable directly.

Dusit Hall (The Royal Palace) remains closed on every Sunday.

Schedule/Program/Timetable subject to change without prior notice due to local condition.

Additional info

The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details. They’re a nice bunch, and will happily answer any logistical questions you may have. Please give them a call at least 24 hours before your organised activity to reconfirm.